Alcohol Addiction is a dangerous and complicated disease that affects many people across the country. It’s important to understand the early warning signs so that you can seek treatment sooner rather than later, and get back on track for a healthy and happy life.
Moderate drinking is typically defined as having one to two drinks a day for most adults, but heavy alcohol use can cause serious health problems. Drinking to the point of addiction causes an individual to develop a preoccupation with alcohol and to experience cravings for it at inappropriate times. It can also lead to a variety of negative consequences in other areas of their lives, including work and family problems.
Alcohol abuse may also cause social withdrawal and lead to a lack of emotional attachment to others. This can lead to loneliness and a negative sense of self-worth, which in turn often leads to reckless behavior that can have devastating effects on one’s personal and professional life. For example, some individuals may commit crimes or engage in antisocial behaviors that could hurt their friendships, families and careers. Other people find that drinking reduces their inhibitions, leading them to behave in ways they normally would not. This can be embarrassing or damaging to those close to them, as well as costing them a lot of money.
Symptoms of alcoholism can include memory blackouts, an inability to think clearly, a decreased appetite, and weight loss. It can also contribute to a number of physical problems, such as thinning bones and an increased risk for osteoporosis. It can also increase the risk of a number of cancers, including head and neck, esophageal, liver, and breast cancers. It can also damage the nervous system, causing numbness in the extremities and confusion or trouble thinking. It can also result in a weakened immune system that increases the chances of catching infections and diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Studies show that genetics play a role in the development of alcohol dependency, as do certain environmental factors such as growing up around heavy drinkers or being exposed to them at a young age. In addition, a number of mental health disorders can contribute to the development of alcohol addiction, including depression and anxiety.
Early warning signs of alcohol addiction include difficulty meeting work or home obligations, a negative change in personality, neglecting other hobbies and interests, and losing interest in family and friends. In some cases, the onset of a serious problem may be precipitated by a traumatic event or legal consequence associated with alcohol, such as a DUI or divorce. However, even these life-changing events are often not enough to help some people break the cycle of drinking and regain control of their lives. A combination of medical and psychological treatments is usually required to overcome this challenging illness. These can include inpatient detox, rehab and support groups. These treatments can help an individual maintain long-term sobriety. They can also provide an opportunity to address underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction.
